Fiber-cleaning machine.



PATENTE-D JUNE 25, 1907.

J. GARCIA. FIBER CLEANING MACHINE.

APPLIUATION FILED JUNE 4. 1906.

3 SHEETS-BHEET 1.

INVENTOH PATENTED JUNE 25, 1907.

J. GARCIA. FIBER CLEANING MACHINE.

APPLICATION I'ILED JUNE 4. 1908.

3 BEEETS-BHBET 2.

INVENTOR WITNESSES lama-moron, n. c.

PATENTED JUNE 25, 1907.

J. GARCIA. FIBER CLEANING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED mum, 1906.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

/:2 Illl m H m 0m WITNESSES JOSEPH GARCIA, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.

FIBER-CLEANING MACHlNE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 25, 1907.

Original application filed May 27, 1904-, Serial No- 2l0,055. Divided and this application filed June 4, 1906. Serial No. 320,210.

To alt whom, it TIMI/y concern:

Be it known that I, JOSEPH GARCIA, acitizen of the United States ofAmerica, and a resident of Brooklyn, in the county of Kings and State of New York, have invented a cer tain new and useful Fiber-Cleaning Machine, of which the following is a specification, the same being a full, clear, and exact description of the invention," such as will enable those skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to an apparatus for separating the filamentous substance from the long leaf agaves, and inparticular henequen, sacqui or sisal hemp, and' other similar long fiber producing plants, and it has for its object the provision of an apparatus of the kind set forth comparatively simple in construction, inexpensive to manufacture and which operates smoothly and efficiently in practical use. I

To attain the desired end, this, my invention, consists in novel devices and combinations ofdevices hereinafter described.

In order to enable my invention to be full understood, I will proceed to explain the same by reference to the drawings which accompany and form a part of this specification, in which Figure 1 represents a plan view of a fiber cleaning machine constructed according to my invention, the feed table shown in Fig. 2

v being omitted; Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same, and Figs. 3, 4 and 5 are views 1n detail of my gripping device.

Like letters of reference indicate like parts in all views.

I have found it desirable to make an apparatus by the use of which the following oper ations may be combined in and automatically performed by a single machine, namely first, the lants are crushed so that the stalks and eaves shall be of a practically uniform thickness in order to secure economy of power in operating the machine; second, the plants are carried through the machine and supported loosely by a suitable conveying means; third, the middle of the plants is caught by a positively acting, holding, or gripping device while one end (nearly one half of the whole length) of the plants is decorticated or cleaned; fourth, the plants are moved transversely a short distance as regards the second cleaning mechanism by the gripping device, fifth, the cleaned or extracted fibers are caught by another positively acting gripping device, while the remaining part of the plants (being ordinarily a little more than one half of the length) is cleaned by the scraping -wheel; and, finally, the cleaned fibers are discharged upon asuitable holding device; and have, therefore, constructed according to my invention an apparatus of the class described,

embodying the preferred construction of parts, and their mutual relationship, combination, arrangement and organization in a composite body or structure, as hereinafter described Referring particularly to the drawings, A, A denote my crushing rollers located at the end of a feeding table and preferably bearing corrugated faces and supported by shafts a, a. The rollers A, A are ordinarily made of a length equal to about one half of the length of the leaves to be treated, the thinner ends of the said leaves being fed between the gears A also carried by the said shafts a, a.

,The shaft (1, is also provided with a bevel gear a which meshes into the bevel gear 11 carried by the shaft b which is rotated by means of a pulley B.

The crushing roller A is ordinarily somewhat longer than the roller A and carries in a pe ripheral groove a belt C which encircles the same and also the pulley D which with the gear D together with the grip-wheel D", are rigidly mounted upon the shaft (1. The belt C serves as a carrier or conveying means to receive the leaves after the same leave the feed table and to carry the same to the grip wheel D The grip wheel D is formed with peripheral longitudinal grooves or corrugations d, and has preferably located at the edges thereof, serrations (Z Superimposed on the toothed grip wheel or wheel carrier, D for moving the plant, and constructed and arranged to coact therewith, are a series of yielding blocks E or platens approximately conforming in contour with and presenting a practically continuous surface to the carrier and forming each a segment of an arc whose center is the same as that of said wheel and supported in a frame E, the lower faces of the blocks being corrugated or grooved to register withi the corrugations d on the wheel D Recesses e are formed in the said blocks to contain springs e, by means of which said springs e and the controlling screws e which work in the frame E, a predetermined pressure may be applied individually to the I he blocks 15, the said elastic means thus serving to hold the said blocks into approximate contact with the wheel with an increased or decreased elastic pressure at-will.

The cleaning or scraping wheel F carries scrapers and knives of the ordinary description and serves in connection with the adj acent ordinary plate or shoe to clean the thicker end of the leaves, which, as stated, are supported by the grip wheel and the blocks. The cleaning or beating wheel F is mounted on the shai'tf, which is rotated by the pulley F. As the leaves are moved forward bythe grip wheel D and while still held between the said grip wheel and the blocks E, the cleaned fibers will pass over on to the horizontal top portion of the plate G.

Any given point at the highest part of the grip wheel D lies adjacent to the top of the horizontal portion of the plate G which extends under the cleaned fibers. But as that point on the periphery of the grip wheel descends in the course of the revolution of the said wheel, it will gradually move away from the top of the plate G and the distance between the two will be constantly increased. Consequently by the time that theleaves pass away from between the grip wheel D and the blocks D, the fibers will be moved transversely across the plate Guntil the part of the cleaned fibers that rest upon the said plate G will be quite a distance from the uncleaned part of the leaves just being released from the gripping device. That is to say, the point at which the leaves are supported is moved transversely as regards the said leaves by the action of the gripping device. The series of yielding blocks E allow for the inequalities of the thickness of the leaves. At the time the leaves emerge from between the grip wheel D and the blocks E they will pass down the depending hook or prong at the end of the plate G and the cleaned portion of the same will be caught between the grip wheel H and the yielding blocks J. The grip wheel H has peripheral corrugations 71, and serrations If at the edges thereof, and the superimposed blocks J are held in a frame J and are formed with recesses j in which are located sprin s j the tension of which may be adjusted by the screws fi which work in the frame J, and the said blocks are also formed with corrugations to register with the corrugations of the grip wheel H When the remaining portions of the leaves have been cleaned by the scraper K the leaves are released by the grip wheel H and blocks J and the same are deposited upon a suitable holding means as the hook L. The scraper K carries suitable knives and scrapers and is mounted on a shaft is which is rotated by the pulley K. At the end of this shaft is located a bevel gear k which meshes with the bevel gear k mounted ona vertical shaft and provided at its lower end with another bevel gear which meshes with the bevel gear Z? on the shaft K. The latter shalt carries gears ll" and k which respectively rotate the gears D and H It will be observed that the series of blocks E or J constitute flexible platens. These blocks form with respect to the wheels D" or H a series of superimposed differential devices each constructed and arranged to yield respectively a greater or less degree and to move away from the periphery of the wheel a distance according to the thickness of the leaves to be treated; which blocks coact with and work in the plane of the said wheel. The second gripping device receives the leaves directly from the first gripping mechanism, the said first gripping device being constructed and arranged to deliver the cdeaned portions of the leaves to the second gripping device a little to one side of the path previously followed by the leaves. This change of the position of the leaves is caused -by means located adjacent to the first gripping device, in the present embodiment consisting of an arm or plate G, which causes parts of the leaves to be drawn away from the plane of the second gripping device. It will be also observed that the blocks or platens E or J form in connection with the movable carriers D or H a co-operating means which is elastically held in approximate contact and sliding engagement with the said movable carrier so as to be differentially or sepa rately yieldable at different points of the carrier, whereby plants of varyin thicknesses may be grasped and rigidly held between the said carrier and co-operating means.

I only claimin this application the specific construction of the platen or co-operating means composed of a plurality of individually and independently acting elastic parts or sections the adjacent ends of some of the various pairs of sections lying on one side of the cleaning wheel, and others being located directly in front of, or between'the vertical planes of the faces or edges of, one edge or face of one edge or face of the cleaning or beating wheel which ends ordinarily engage each other with a friction movement, the said parts or sections lying above the plant carrier orconveyer (as the carrier wheel shown) and being relatively or respectively or individually yieldable' in a vertical direction; and the said parts or sections being rounded off at the lower part of one end adj acent to the carrier, the other corner being preferably angular as the other features of the invention, together with the general combination of the parts, are claimed in the application filed by me on May 27, 1904, Serial No. 210,055, of which this is a division.

As it is evident that many changes in the construction, form, proportion, and relative arrangement of parts might be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention, I would have it understood that I do not restrict myself to the particular construction and arrangement of arts shown and described, but that such 0 ranges and equivalents may be substituted therefor, and

that,

What I claim as my invention is 1. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a rotary wheel carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same, and a platen superimposed on, and constructed and arranged to present a practically continuous surface to the said wheel, and consisting of a plurality of sections having a division therebetween and forming each a segment of an arc whose center is the same as that of said wheel, the carrier or conveyer and platen being relatively movable, and the said parts or sections having a differential or separate movement or action at said division.

2. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf clean ing or heating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same, and cooperating means superimposed upon, and

u constructed and arranged to approximately conform in contour with, and to present a practically continuous bearing surface to the carrier or conveyer, and consisting of a plurality of parts or sections having a division therebetween, the carrier or conveyer and co-operating means being relatively movable, and the said parts or sections having a differential or separate vertical movement or action at said division.

3. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a Wheel carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and constructed and arranged to approximately conform in contour with and to present a practically continuous surface to and to coact with and to work in the same plane as the carrier or conveyer, and consisting of a plurality of parts or sections, having a division therebetween, the carrier or conveyer and co-operating means being relatively movable and the said parts or sections having a differential or separate movement or action at said division.

4. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf con veyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and constructed and arranged to approximately conform in contour with and to present a practically continuous surface to and to coact with and to work in the same plane as the'carrier or conveyer, and consisting of a plurality of parts or sees5s,33e v I I 3 tions having a division therebetween, the carconveyer.

5. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleanmg or heating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and

co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in s'liding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and constructed and arranged to approximately conform in contour with and to present a practically continuous surface to and to coact with and to work in the same plane as the carrier or conveyer, and consisting of a plurality of parts or sections having a division therebetween, the carrier or conveyer and co-operating means being relatively movable and the said parts or sections having a differential or separate movement or action at said division, in combination with elastic means for pressing the co-operating means toward the carrier or conveyer, and means for increasing or decreasing such elastic pressure.

6. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or heating device, a rotary wheel carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same, and a platen consisting of a plurality of sec tions forming each a segment of an arc whose center is the same as that of the said wheel, and having a division between the sections located directly in front of or within the vertical planes of the faces or edges of the cleaning or beating device, the carrier or conveyer and platen being relatively movable, and the said parts or sections having a differential or separate movement or action at said division.

7. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and co-operating means superimposed on and, held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and constructed and arranged to approximately conform in contour with and to present a practically continuous surface to and to coact with and to work in the same plane as the carrier or conveyer, and consisting of a plurality of parts or sections having a division therebetween located directly in front of, or within the vertical planes of the faces or edges of, the cleaning or heating device, the carrier or conveyer and co-operating means being relatively movable, and the said parts or sections having a differential or separate vertical movement or action at said division.

8. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face,

and co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and constructed and arranged to approximately conform in contour with and to present a practically continuous surface to and to coact with and to work in the same plane as the carrier or conveyer, and consistin'g of a plurality of parts or sections having a division therebetween located directly in front of, or within the vertical planes of the faces or edges of, the cleaning or beating device, the carrier or conveyer and co-operating means being relatively movable, and the said parts or sections having a differential or separate vertical movement or action at said division, in combination with elastic means for pressing the co-operating means toward the carrier or conveyer.

9. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and constructed and arranged to approximately conform in contour with and to present a practically continuous surfaceto and to coact with and to work in the same plane as the carrier or conveyer, and consisting of a plurality of parts or sections having a division therebetween located directly in front of, or within the vertical planes of the faces or edges of, the cleaning or beating device, the carrier or conveyer and co-operating means being relatively movable, and the said parts or sections having a differential or separate vertical movement or action at said division, in combination with elastic means for pressing the co-operating means toward the carrier or conveyer, and means for increasing or decreasing such elastic pressure.

10. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaningor beating device, a rotary carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and non-rotative co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and constructed and arranged to approximately conform in contour with and to work in the same plane as the carrier or conveyer, and consisting of a plurality of arts or sections having a division there etween located directly in front of, or within the vertical planes of the faces or edges of, the cleaning or heating device, and the said parts or sections having a differential movement or action at said division.

11. I11 a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, arotary Wheel carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same, and a platen consisting of a plurality of sections forming each a segment of an arc whose center isthe same as that of the said wheel, the adjacent ends of two sections be ing constructed and arranged to engage each other with a friction movement and to work with a differential movement or action.

12. In a fiber'cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same, and co-operating means superimposed on the carrier or conveyer and consisting of a plurality of parts or sections, the adjacent ends of two sections being constructed and arranged to engage each other with a friction movement, and to work with a differential movement or action.

13. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same, and co-operating means superimposed on the carrier or conveyer and consisting of a plurality of parts or sections, the adjacent ends of two sections being constructed and arranged to engage each other with a friction movement, and to work with a differential movement or action, in combination with elastic means for pressing the co-operating means toward the carrier or conveyer.

14. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same, and co-operating means superimposed on the carrier or conveyer and consisting of a plurality of parts or sections, the adjacent ends of two sections being constructed and arranged to engage each other with a friction movement, and to work with a differential movement or action, in combination with elastic means for pressing the co-operating means toward the carrier or conveyer, and means for increasing or decreasing such elastic pressure.

15. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same, and co-operating means superimposed on the carrier or conveyer and consisting of a plurality of parts or sections, the adjacent ends of two sections being located directly in front of or within the vertical planes of the edges or faces of the cleaning or heating device, said ends being constructed and arranged to engage each other with a friction movement, and to work with a differential movement or action.

16. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same, co-opcrating means superimposed on the carrier or conveyer and consisting of a plurality of parts or sections, the adjacent ends of two sections being located directly in front of or in the vertical planes of the edges or faces of the cleaning or beating device, said ends being constructed and arranged to engage each other with a friction movement, and elastic means located adjacent to each part or section for pressing the same toward the carrier or conveyer.

17. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or heating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in. front of the same, co-op crating means superimposed on the carrier or con vcyer and consisting of a plurality of parts or sections, the adjacent ends of two sections being located directly in front of or in the vertical planes of the edges or faces of the cleaning or beating device, said ends being constructed and arranged to engage each other with a friction movement, and elastic means located adjacent to each part or section for pressing the same toward the carrier or conveyer, and means for increasing or decreasing such elastic pressure.

18. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or heating device, a rotary wheel carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of thc'same, and a platen consisting of a plurality of sections forming each a segment of an arc whose center is the same as that of the .said wheel, and having a division between the sections located directly in front of .or in the vertical planes of the edges or faces of the cleaning or beating device, the said section ends being constructed and arranged to engage each other with a friction movement.

19. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a rotary wheel carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the smile, and a platen consisting of a plurality of non-rotativc parts or sections, forming each a segment of an arc whose center is the same as that of said wheel, the carrier or conveyer and platen being relatively movable, and the said parts or sections being each rounded off at the lower part of one corner or edge adjacent to the carrier.

20. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and co-operating means superimposed on and held. downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier or conveyer, and consisting of a plurality of nou-rotative sections, the co-operating means and the carrier being relatively movable, and the said sections being each rounded off at the lower part of one corner or end adjacent to the car rier, the other corner of the sections being angular in contour, the said sections being constructed and arranged to be respectively moved away from the carrier a greater or less distance according to the thickness of a leaf by the passage thereunder of the said leaf. 1

21. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier or conveyer, and consisting of a plurality of non-rotative sections, the co-operating means and the carrier being relatively movable, and the said sections being each rounded off at the lower part of one corner or end adjacent to the carrier, the other corner of the sections being angular in contour, the said sections being constructed and arranged to be respectively moved away from the carrier a greater or less distance ac cording to the thickness of a leaf by the passage thereunder of the said leaf, in combination with elastic means located adjacent to each section for pressing the same toward the carrier.

22. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier or conveyer, and consisting of a plurality of non-rotative sections, the co-operating'means and the carrier being relatively movable, and the said sections being each rounded off at the lower part of one corner or end adjacent to the carrier, the other corner of the sections being angular in contour, the said sections being constructed and arranged to be respectively moved away from the carrier a greater or less distance according to the thickness of a leaf by the passage thereunder of the said leaf, in combination with elastic means located adjacent to each section for pressing the same toward the carrier, and means for increasing or decreasing such elastic pressure.

23. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier or conveyer, and consisting of a plurality of non-rotative sections, the co-operating means and the carrier being relatively movable, and the said sections having a differential or separate movement or action, and each being rounded off at the lower part of one corner or end adj acent to the carrier, the other corner of the sections being angular in contour, the said sections being constructed and arranged to be respectively moved away from the carrier a greater or less distance according to the thickness of a leaf by the passage thereunder of the said leaf.

24. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or heating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier and consisting of a plurality of sections, the adjacent ends of two sections being located directly in front of, or between the vertical planes of the edges or faces of, the cleaning or beating device, the co-operating means and the carrier being relatively movable, and the said sections being each rounded ofl' at the lower part of one corner or end adjacent to the carrier, the other corner of the sections being angular in contour, the said sections being constructed and arranged to be respectively moved away from the carrier a greater or less distance according to the thickness of a leaf by the passage thereunder of the said leaf.

25. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyor located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier and consisting of a plurality of sections, the adjacent ends of two sections being located directly in front of, or between the vertical planes of the edges or faces of, the cleaning or heating device,

the co-operating means and the carrier being relatively movable, and the said sections being each rounded off at the lower part of one corner or end adjacent to the carrier, the other corner of the sect-ions being angular in contour, the said. sections being constructed and arranged to be respectively moved away from the carrier a greater or less distance ac cording to the thickness of a leaf by the passage thereunder of the said leaf, in combination with elastic means for pressing the cooperating means toward the carrier.

26. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyor located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewithfto press the leaves in contact with the carrier and consisting of a plurality of sections, the adjacent ends of two sections being located directly in front of, or between the vertical planes of the edges or faces of, the cleaning or beating device, the co-operating means and the carrier being relatively movable, and the said sections being each rounded ofi at the lower part of one corner or end adjacent to the car-- rier, the other corner of the sections being angular in contour, the said sections being con structed and arranged to be respectively moved away from the carrier a greater or less distance according to the thickness of a leaf by the passage thereunder of the said leaf, in combination with elastic means for pressing the co-operating means toward the carrier, and means for increasing or decreas ing such elastic pressure.

27. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a rotary wheel carrier located in front of the same, and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face and a non-rotative platen consisting of a plurality of sections held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith and forming each a segment of an arc whose center is the same as that of the said wheel, and having a division between the sections located-directly in front of, or between the vertical planes of the edges or faces of, the cleaning or beating device, the said sections being each rounded off at the lower part of one corner or end adjacent to the carrier wheel, the other corner of the sections being angular in contour, the said sections being con structed and arranged to be respectively moved away from the carrier a greater or less distance according to the thickness of a leaf by the assage thereunder of the said leaf.

28. n a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf eonveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and a non-horizontally movable co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and consisting of a plurality of sections having a division therebetween, the carrier and co-operating means being relatively movable, and the sections having a differential or separate vertical movement caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness.

29. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and a non-horizontally movable co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to ress the leaves in contact with the carrier, an consisting of a lurality of sections having a division there etween, the carrier and co-operating means being relatively movable, and the sections having a differential or separate vertical movement caused by the assage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, in combination with elastic means for pressing the co-operating means toward the carrier.

30. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf 71 I, x I

cleaning or heating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and a non-horizontally movable co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and consisting of a plurality of sections having a division therebetween located directly in front of, or between the vertical planes of the faces or edges of, the cleaning or beating device, the carrier and co-operating means being relatively movable, and the sections having a differential or separate vertical movement caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness.

31. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and a non-horizontally movable co-operatin means superimposed on and held downwar on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and consisting of a lurality of sections having a division there etween located directly in front of, or between the vertical planes of the faces or edges of, the cleaning or beating device, the carrier and co-operating means being relatively movable, and the sections having a differential or separate vertical movement caused by the assage thereunder of leaves of different thic ness, in combination with elastic means for pressing the co-operating means toward the carrier.

32. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a rotary wheel carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same, and a platen consisting of a plurality of sections forming each a segment of an arc whose center is the same as that of the said wheel, and having a division between the sections, the carrier wheel and platen being relatively movable, and the said sections having a differential or separate movement or action at said division.

33. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a rotary wheel carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same, and a platen consisting of a plurality of sections forming each a segment of an arc whose center is the same as that of the said wheel, and having a division between the sections, the carrier wheel and laten being relatively movable, and the said sections having a differential or separate movement or action at said division, in combination with elastic means for pressing the platen toward the carrier.

34. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or heating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press-the leaves in contact with the carrier, and consisting of a lurality of sections having a division therebetween, the co-operating means and the carrier being relatively movable, and the said sections having a differential or separate movement or action at said division caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness.

35. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or heating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and consisting of a plurality of sections having a division there between, the co-operating means and the carrier being relatively movable, and the said sections having a differential or separate movement or action at said division caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of difl'erent thickness, in combination with elastic means for pressing the co-operating means toward the carrier.

36. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or heating device, a rotary wheel carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same, and a platen consisting of a plurality of sections forming each a segment of an arc whose center is the same as that of the said wheel, and having a division between the sections located directly in front of or in the vertical planes of the faces or edges of the cleaning or heating device, the carrier wheel and platen being relatively movable, and the said sections having a differential or separate movement or action at said division.

37. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or heating device, a rotary wheel carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same, and a platen consisting of a plurality of sections forming each a segment of an arc whose center is the same as that of the said wheel, and having a division between the sections located directly in front of or in the vertical planes of the faces or edges of the cleaning or beating device, the carrier wheel and platen being relatively movable, and the said sections having a differential or separate movement or action at said division, in combination with elastic means for pressing the platen towa1d the carrier.

In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and consisting of a plurality of sections having a division therebetween located directly in front of, or between the vertical planes of the faces or edges of, the cleaning or-beating device, the co-operatmg means and the carrier being relatively movable, and the said sections having a differential or separate movement or action at said division caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness.

39. I11 a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and consisting of a plurality of sections having a division therebctween located directly in front of, or between the vertical planes of the faces or edges of, the cleaning or beating device, the cooperating means and the carrier being relatively movable, and the said sections having a differential or separate movement or action at said division caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, in combination with elastic means for pressing the co-operating means toward the carrier.

40. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a gripping device consisting of a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same, and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face and 00- operating means consisting of a plurality of sections superimposed and held in sliding engagement on the carrier, and each having a differential or separate movement or action caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, a plurality of divisions between the sections being located directly in front of, or between the vertical planes of the faces or edges of, the cleaning or beating device, and each being constructed and ar ranged to coact with and to work in the plane of the said carrier.

etl. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a gripping device consisting of a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same, and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face and cooperating means consisting of a plurality of sections superimposed and held in sliding engagement on the carrier, and each having a differential or separate movement or action caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, a plurality of divisions between the sections being located directly in front of, or between the vertical planes of the faces or edges of, the cleaning or heating device, and each being constructed and arranged to coact with and to work in the plane of the said carrier, in combination with elastic means for pressing the co-operating means toward the carrier.

42. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or heating device, a rotary wheel carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same, and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face and a platen consisting of a plurality of sections held downward on the carrier insliding engagement therewith and forming each a segment of an arc whose center is the same as that of the said wheel, and each having a differential or separate movement or action caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, a plurality of divisions between the sections being located directly in front of, or between the vertical planes of the faces or edges of, the cleaning or beating device, and each being constructed and arranged to coact with and to work in the plane of the said carrier.

43. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a rotary wheel carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same, and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face and a platen consisting of a plurality ofsections held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith and forming each a segment of an arc Whose center is the same as that of the said wheel, and each having a differential or separate movement or action caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, a plurality of divisions between the sections being located directly in front of, or between the vertical planes of the faces or edges -of, the cleaning or beating device, and each being constructed and arranged to coact with and to Work in the plane of the said carrier, in combination with elastic means for pressing the co-operating means toward the carrier.

44. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, a platen superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and working in the plane of the carrier, and consisting of a plurality of sec tions having a plurality of divisions between the sections located directly in front of, or between the vertical planes of the faces or edges of, the cleaning 'or beating device, the said sections having a differential or separate movement or action at each division, caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness.

45. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, a platen superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and working in the plane of the carrier, and consisting of a plurality of sections having a plurality of divisions between the sections located directly in front of, or between the vertical planes of the faces or edges of, the cleaning or beating device, the

said sections having a differential or separate movement or action at each division caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, in combination with elastic means for pressing the platen toward the carrier.

46. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a gripping device consisting of a carrier or leaf conveyer adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face,

and a non-rotative co-operating means held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith and consisting of a plurality of superimposed sections each having respectively a differential or separate movement or action caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, and constructed and arranged to coact with and work in the plane of the said carrier, and elastic means to press the two parts of the gripping device toward each other located directly in front of, or between the vertical planes of the faces or edges of, the cleaning or beating device.

47. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a grip ing device consisting of a carrier or lea conveyer adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and a non-rotative co-operating means held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith and consisting of a plurality of superimposed sections each having respectively a differential or separate movement or action caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, and constructed and arranged to coact with and to work in the plane of the said carrier, and elastic means to press the two parts of the gripping device toward each other located directly in front of, or between the vertical planes of the faces or edges of, the cleaning or beating device, and means for increasing or decreasing such elastic pressure.

48. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a gripping device consisting of a carrier or leaf conveyer adapted to carry theleaves on its upper face, and co-operating means held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith and having a vertical movement only, and constructed and arranged to coact with and work in the plane of the said carrier, the said co-operating means consisting of a plurality of sections superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and each having respectively a differential or separate movement or action caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, and elastic means to press the two parts of the gripping device toward each other located directly in front of, or between the vertical planes of the faces or edges of, the cleaning or beating device.

49. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a gripping device consisting of a carrier or leaf conveyor, and a co-operating means consisting of a plurality of devices superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and each having respectively a differential or separate movement or action caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, and elastic means to press the two parts of the gripping device toward each other located directly in front-of, or between the vertical planes of the face or edge of, the cleaning or beating device, the carrier and co-operatingmeans being relatively movable.

50. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or heating device, a gripping device consisting of a carrier or leaf conveyer and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and a non-rotative co-operating means c011- sisting of a plurality of devices superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier and constructed and arranged to coactwith and work in the plane of the said carrier when moved by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, and elastic means to press the two parts of the gripping device toward each other located adjacent to the said superimposed devices-and directly in front of, or between the vertical planes of the faces or edges of, the cleaning or beating device.

51 In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a gripping device consisting of a carrier or leaf conveyer and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and a non-rotative co-operating means consisting of a plurality of devices superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier and constructed and arranged to coact with and work in the plane of the said carrier when moved by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, and elastic means to press the two parts of the gripping device toward each other located adjacent to the said superimposed devices and directly in front of, or between the vertical planes of the faces or edges of, the cleaning or heating device, in combination with means for increasing or decreasing such elastic pressure.

52. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a gripping device consisting of a carrier or leaf conveyer, and co-operating means having a vertical movement only, and constructed and arranged to coact with and work in the plane of the said carrier, and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, the said co-operating means consisting of a plurality of sections, each having respectively a differential or separate movement caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, and a plurality of elastic means to press the two parts of the gripping device toward each other, one positioned near each one of a pair of adjacent ends of sections located directly in front of, or between the vertical planes of the faces or edges of, the cleaning or beatin device.

53. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a gripping device consisting of a carrier or leaf conveyer adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and a co-operating means consisting of a plurality of devices superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and constructed andarranged to coact with and work in the plane of the said carrier, and a plurality of elastic means to press the two parts of the gripping device toward each other located adjacent to the said superimposed devices and directly in front of, or between the vertical planes of the faces or edges of, the cleaning or beating device.

54. In a fiber cleaning machine, the combination with a leaf cleaning or beating device, and a rotary wheel carrier for moving the leaf to be treated, and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face of a laten consisting of a plurality of sections eld downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith and forming each a segment of an arc whose center is the same as that of the said Wheel, each of said segments having elastic means for pressing it toward the wheel carrier when moved by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, a plurality of said elastic means being located directly in front of, or between the' vertical planes of the faces or edges of, the cleaning or beating device.

55. In a fiber cleaning machine, the combination with a leaf cleaning or beating device, and a rotary wheel carrier for moving the leaf to be treated, of a platen consisting of a plurality of sections forming each a segment of an arc whose center is the same as that of said wheel, each of the said segments having elastic means for pressing it toward the wheel carrier when moved by the passage thereunder of leaves of difierent thickness, a plurality of said elastic means being located directly in front of, or between the vertical planes of the faces or edges of, the cleaning or beating device, and means for increasing or decreasing such elastic pressure.

56. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or heating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer having a longitudinally grooved face located in front of the same, a platen superimposed on the carrier or conveyer and consisting of a plurality of sections having a division between the sections located directly in front of or in the vertical planes of the faces or edges of the cleaning or beating device, the carrier or conveyer and platen l. 2- ing relatively movable, the said parts or sections having a differential or separate movement or action at said division.

57..In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer having a longitudinally grooved face located in front of the same, a platen superimposed on the carrier or conveyer and consisting of a plurality of sections having a division between the sections located directly in front of or in the vertical planes of the faces or edges of the cleaning or beating device, the carrier or conveyer and platen being relatii ely movable, the said parts or sections having a differential or separate movement or action at said division, in combination with elastic means located adjacent to each part or section for pressing the same toward the carrier.

58. .In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer having a longitudinally grooved face located in front of the same, and co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and consisting of a plurality of sections having a division therebetween, the co-operating means and the carrier being relatively movable, and the said sections having a differential or separate movement or action at said division, caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness;

59. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer having a longitudinally grooved face located in front of the same, and co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engage ment therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and consisting of a plurality of sections having a division therebetween, the co-operating means and the carrier being relatively movable, and the said sections having a differential or separate movement or action at said division, caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, in combination with elastic means for pressing the same toward the carrier.

60. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, a platen superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and working in the plane of the carrier, and consisting of a plurality of elastic sections located directly in front of, or be tween the vertical planes of the faces or edges of, the cleaning or beating device, the

IOC

said sections having a differential or separate novementor action at each division caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness.

61. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, a platen superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and working in the plane of the carrier, and consisting of a plurality of sections located directly in front of, or between the vertical planes of the faces or edges of, the cleaning or beating device, the said sections having a differential or separate movement or action at each division caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, in combination with a plurality of elastic means for pressing the same toward the carrier also located directly in front of, or between the vertical planes of the faces or edges of, the cleaning or beating device.

62. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a rotary wheel carrier of leaf conveyer located in front of the same, and a platen consisting of a plurality of sections forming each a segment of an arc whose center is the same as that of the said wheel and having a division between the sections located on one side of the cleaning or beating device, and adjacent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or beating device, the carrier or conveyer and platen being relatively movable, and the said parts or sections having a difierential or separate movement or action at said division.

63. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and cooperating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and constructed and arranged to approximately conform in contour with, and to present a practically continuous surface to, and to coact with and to work in the same plane as the carrier, and consisting of a plurality of parts or sections having a division therebetween located on one side of the cleaning or beating device, and adjacent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or beating device, the carrier and co-operating means being relatively movable, and the said parts or sections having a diflerential or separate vertical movement or action at said division.

64. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or heating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and co-operating means superimposed on and and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and constructed and arranged to approximately conform in contour with, and to present a practically continuous surface to and to coact with and to workin the same plane as the carrier, and consisting of a plurality of parts or sections having a division therebetween located on one side of the cleaning or beating device, and adjacent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or beating device, the carrier and co operating means being relatively movable, and the said parts or sec tions having a difierential or separate vertical movement or action at said division, in combination with elastic means for pressing the co-operating means toward. the carrier.

65. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and constructed and arranged to approximately conform in contour with and to work in the same plane as the carrier, and consisting of a plurality of parts or sections having a division therebetween located on one side of the cleaning or heating device, and adjacent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or beating device, the carrier and cooperating means being relatively movable, and the said parts or sections having a differential or separate vertical movement or action at said division, in combination with elastic means for pressing the co-operating means toward the carrier, and means for increasing or decreasing such elastic pressure.

66. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device,a rotary carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and non-rotary co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with' the carrier, and constructed and arranged to approximately conformin contour with and to work in the same plane as the carrier, and consisting of a plurality of parts or sections having a division therebetween located on one side of the cleaning or beating device, and adjacent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or beating device, the said parts or sections having a differential or separate movement or action at said division.

67. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same, and co-operating means superimposed on the carrier and consisting of a plurality of parts or IIO sections, the adjacent ends of two sections being located on one side of the cleaning or beating device, and adjacent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or beating device, said ends being constructed and arranged to engage each other with a friction movement and to work with a different-ial action.

68. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same, and cooperating means superimposed on the carrier and consisting of a plurality of parts or sections, the adjacent ends of two sections being located on one side of the cleaning or beating device, and adjacent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or beating device, said ends being constructed and arranged to engage each other with a friction movement, in combination with elastic means for pressing the co-operating means toward the carrier.

69. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same, and co-operating means superimposed on the carrier and consisting of a plurality of parts or sections, the adjacent ends of two sections being located on one side of the cleaning or beating device, and adjacent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or beating device, said ends being constructed and arranged to engage each other with a friction movement, in combination with elastic means for pressing the co-operating means toward the carrier, and means for increasing or decreasing such elastic pressure.

70. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or heating device, a rotary wheel carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same, and a platen consisting of a plurality of sections forming each a segment of an arc whose center is the same as that of the said wheel, and having a division between the sections located on one side of the cleaning or beating device, and adjacent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or beating device, the said section ends being constructed and arranged to engage each other with a friction movement.

71. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a rotary Wheel carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same, and a platen consisting of a plurality of sections forming each a segment of an arc whose center is the same as that of the said wheel, and having a division between the sections located on one side of the cleaning or beating device, and adjacent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or beating device, the said section ends being constructed and arranged to engage each other with a friction movement, in combination with elastic means for pressing the platen toward the carrier.

'72. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and consisting of a plurality of sections, the adjacent ends of two sections being located on one side of the cleaning or beating device, and adjacent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or beating device, the cooper ating means and the carrier being relatively movable, and the said sections being each rounded off at the lower part of one corner or end adjacent to the carrier, the other corner of the sections being angular in contour, the said sections being constructed and arranged to be respectively moved away from the carrier a greater or less distance according to the thickness of a leaf by the passage thereunder of the said leaf.

73. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and consisting of a plurality of sections, the adjacent ends of two sections being located on one side of the cleaning or beating device, and adjacent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or beating device, the co-operating means and the carrier being relatively movable, and the said sections being each rounded off at the lower part of one corner or end adjacent to the carrier, the other corner of the sections being angular in contour, the said sections being constructed and arranged to be respectively moved away from the carrier a greater or less distance according to the thickness of a leaf by the passage thereunder of the said leaf, in combination with elastic means for pressing the co-operating means toward the carrier or conveyer.

74. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and consisting of a plurality of sections, the adjacent ends of two sections being located on one side of the cleaning or beating device, and adjacent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or beating device, the co-operating means and the carrier being relatively movable, and the said sections being each rounded off at the lower part of one corner or end adjacent to the carrier, the other corner of the sections being angular in contour, the said sections being-constru cted and arranged to be respectively moved away from the cariier a greater or less distance according to the thickness of a leaf by the passage thereunder of the said leaf, in combination with elastic means for pressing the co-operating means toward the carrier, and means for increasing or decreasing such elastic pressure.

75. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a rotary wheel carrier located in front of the same, and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face and a non-rotative platen consisting of a plurality of sections held downward 011 the carrier in sliding engagement therewith and forming each a segment of an arc whose center is the same as that of the said wheel, and having a division between the sections located on one side of the cleaning or beating device, and adjacent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or beating device, the said sections being each rounded off at the lower part of one corner or end adjacent to the carrier wheel, the other corner of the sections being angular in contour, the said sections being constructed and arranged to be respectively moved away from the carrier a greater or less distance according to the thickness of a leaf by the passage thereunder of the said leaf.

76. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and anon-horizontally movable co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and consisting of a plurality of sections having a division therebetween located on one side of the cleaning or beating device, and adjacent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or beating device, the carrier and co-operating means being relatively movable, and the sections having a differential or separate vertical movement caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness.

77. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and a non-horizontally movable co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and consisting of a plurality of sections having a division therebetween located on one side of the cleaning or beating device, and ad acent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or beating device, the carrier and co-operating means being relatively movable, and the sections having a difssasss y I 4 v ferentialor separate vertical? At-58mm caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, in combination with elastic means for pressingilthejco-operating means toward the carrier. fggji 78. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a rotary wheel car rier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same, and a platen consisting of a plurality of sections forming each a segment of an arc whose center is the same as that of the said wheel, and having a division. between the sections located on one side of the cleaning or beating device, and adjacent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or beating device, the carrier wheel and platen being relatively movable, the said sections having a differential or separate movement or action at said division.

79. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a rotary wheel carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same, and a platen consisting of a plurality of sections forming each a segment of an arc whose center is the same as that of the said wheel, and having a division between the sections located on one side of the cleaning or beating device, and adjacent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or beating device, the carrier wheel and platen being relatively movable the said sections having a differential or separate movement or action at said division, in combination with elastic means for pressing the platen toward the carrier.

80. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer'located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and consisting of a plurality of sections having a division therebetween located on one side of the cleaning or beating device, and adjacent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or beating device, the co-operating means and the carrier being relatively movable, and the said sections having a differential or separate movement oraction at said division caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness.

81. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, and co-operating means superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and consisting of a plurality of sections having a division therebetween located on one side of the cleaning or beating device, and adjacent to the ver- VieaPpIane'OI one face or edge of the said cleaning or beating device, the co-operating means and the carrier being relatively movable, and the said sections having a differential or separate movement or action at said division caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, in combination with elastic means for pressing the cooperat ing means toward the carrier.

82. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a gripping device consisting of a carrier or leaf conveyer, adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face and a non-rotative co-operating means held downward on this carrier in sliding engagement therewith, and consisting of a plurality of superim osed sections, each having respectively a di erential or separate movement or action caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, and constructed and arranged to coact with and work in the plane of the said carrier, and elastic means to press the two parts of the gripping device toward each other located on one side of the cleaning or beating device, and adjacent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or beating device.

83. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a gripping device consisting of a carrier or leaf conveyer, adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face and a non-rotative co-operating means held downward on this carrier in sliding engagement therewith and consisting of a plurality of superimposed sections, each having respec tively a differential or separate movement or action caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, and constructed and arranged to coact with and work in the plane of the said carrier, and elastic means to press the two parts of the gripping device toward each other located on one side of the cleaning or heating device, and adjacent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or beating device, and means for increasing or decreasing such elastic pressure.

84. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a gripping device consisting of acarrier or leaf conveyer, adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face and co-operating means held downward on this carrier in sllding engagement therewith and having an upward movement only, and constructedand arranged to coact with and work in the plane of the said carrier, the said co-operating means consisting of a plurality of sections, each having respectively a differential or separate movement or action caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of differ ent thickness, and elastic means to press the two parts of the gripping device toward each other located on one side of the cleaning or heating device, and adjacent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or heating device.

85. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or heating device, a gripping device consisting of acarrier or leaf conveyer, adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face and co-operating means held downward on this carrier in sliding engagement therewith and consisting of plurality of superimposed sec tions, each having respectively a differential or separate movement or action caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, and elastic means to press the two parts of the gripping device toward each other located on one side of the cleaning or heating device, and adjacent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or heating device, the carrier and co-operating means being relatively movable.

86. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a gripping device consisting of aearrier or leaf conveyer, adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face and a non-rotative co-operating means held downward on this carrier in sliding engagement therewith and consisting of a plurality of superimposed devices constructed and arranged to coact with and work in the plane of the said carrier when moved by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, and elastic means to press the two parts of the gripping device toward each other located adjacent to the said superimposed devices and on one side of the cleaning or beating device, and adjacent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or beating device.

87. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a gripping device consisting of a carrier or leaf conveyor, adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face and a non-rotative co-operating means consisting of a plurality of superimposed devices, held downward on this carrier in sliding engagement therewith and each having respectively a differential or separate movement or action caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, and elastic means to press the two parts of the gripping device toward each other located adjacent to the said superimposed devices and on one side of the cleaning or beating device, and adjacent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or beating device.

88. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or heating device, a gripping device consisting of a carrier or leaf conveyer adapt ed to carry the leaves on its upper face and a plurality of superimposed devices held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith. and each having respectively a differential or separate movement or action caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, and constructed and ar- I r 4 i l ranged to coact with and work inthe lane of i the said carrier, and a plurality 0 elastic means to press the two parts of the gripping device toward each other located near the sides of the cleaning or beating device, and adjacent to the vertical planes of the faces or edges of the said cleaning or beating device.

89. In a fiber cleaning machine, the combination with a leaf cleaning or beating device, and a rotary wheel carrier for moving the leaf to be treated, adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face of a platen consisting of a plurality of sections held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith and forming each a segment of an arc whose center is the same as that of said wheel, each of said segments having elastic means for pressing it toward the wheel carrier when moved by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, a plurality of said elastic means being located near the sides of the cleaning or beating device, and adjacent to the vertical planes of the faces or edges of the said cleaning or beating device.

90. In a fiber cleaning machine, the combination with a leaf cleaning or beating device, and a rotary wheel carrier for moving the leaf to be treated, adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face of a platen consisting of a plurality of sections held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith and forming each a segment of an arc whose center is the same as that of said wheel, each of said segments having elastic means for pressing it toward the wheel carrier when moved by the passage thereunder of leaves of difierent thickness, a plurality of said elastic means being located near the sides of the cleaning or beating device, and adjacent to the vertical planes of the faces or edges of the said cleaning or beating device.

91. In a fiber cleaning machine, a cleaning or beating device, a gripping device consisting of a carrier or conveyer, and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face and a series of superimposed devices held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith and each having respectively a differential movement or action caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, and being constructed and arranged to coact with and work in .the plane of the said carrier, and a plurality of elastic means to press the two parts of the gripping device toward each other, one located adjacent to each side of the cleaning or beating device, and adjacent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or beating device.

92. In a fiber cleaning machine, a cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer having a longitudinally grooved face located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, a platen superimposed on and held downward on the carrier i in sliding engagement therewith, to pres; the leaves in contact with the carrier, and consisting of a plurality of sections having a division between the sections located on one side of the cleaning or beating device, and adjacent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or heating device, the carrier and platen being relatively movable, the said parts or sections having a differential or separate movement at such division. I

93. In a fiber cleaning machine, a cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer having a longitudinally grooved face located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, a platen superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and consisting of a plurality of sections having a division between the sections located on one side of the cleaning or beating device, and

adjacent to the vertical plane of one face or edge of the said cleaning or beating device, the carrier and platen being relatively movable, the said parts or sections havingadiiferential or separate movement at such division, in combination with elastic means located adjacent to each part or section for pressing the same toward the carrier.

94;. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or beating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, a platen superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and working in the plane of the carrier, and consisting of a plurality of sections having a plurality of divisions between the sections, a pair of adjacent ends of sections being located on each side of the cleaning or beating device, and adjacent to the vertical planes of the faces or edges of the said cleaning or beating device, the said sections having a differential or separate movement or action at each division caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness.

95. In a fiber cleaning machine, a leaf cleaning or heating device, a carrier or leaf conveyer located in front of the same and adapted to carry the leaves on its upper face, a platen superimposed on and held downward on the carrier in sliding engagement therewith, to press the leaves in contact with the carrier, and working in the plane of the carrier, and consisting of a plurality of sections having a plurality of divisions between the sections, a pair of adjacent ends of sections being located on each side of the cleaning or heating device, and adjacent to the vertical planes of the faces or edges of the said cleaning or beating device, the said sections having a differential or separate movement or action at each division caused by the passage thereunder of leaves of different thickness, in combination with elastic means 5 for pressing the platen toward the carrier.

In testimony of the foregoing specification I do hereby sign the same in the city of New f York county and State of New York, this first da of June 1906.

JOSEPH GARCIA.

\Vitnesses:

ROB. SGIUVARZ, J. ODELL FOWLER. 

